Blessings

In the Byzantine Catholic tradition, blessings are a significant part of the liturgical life and spiritual practice. They are considered a means through which the grace and favor of God are invoked upon a person or object. Blessings are typically performed by a priest or bishop and can be given in various forms, such as through the sign of the cross, prayers, or the use of holy water, oil, or incense.

The importance of blessings in the Byzantine Catholic tradition is rooted in their belief in the power of God's grace to sanctify and protect the faithful. Blessings are seen as a way to invoke God's presence and protection in the lives of the faithful, to heal the sick, to bless the fruits of the earth, and to consecrate objects for sacred use.

Blessings are done for several reasons:

1. To invoke God's protection and grace: Blessings are seen as a way to ask God to protect and bless the faithful, to heal the sick, and to provide for their needs.

2. To consecrate objects for sacred use: Blessings are used to consecrate objects such as icons, relics, and liturgical items, setting them apart for sacred use.

3. To bless the fruits of the earth: Blessings are given to the fruits of the earth, such as crops and livestock, to ask for God's blessing and protection over them.

4. To commemorate events: Blessings are given to commemorate events such as births, marriages, and the beginning of a new year.

Some common blessings throughout the liturgical year include:

  • 6 January - Theophany - Water

    • You can bring your own water, or a container to collect some of the water blessed for the entire congregation

  • 2 February - The Meeting Our Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus Christ with Simeon and Anna (Presentation of Our Lord Into the Temple) (feast of Candles) - Candles

    • You can bring your own candles, or some parishes have them for purchase.

  • 3 February - Feast of St. Blaise - Throats

  • (moveable) - Palm Sunday - Entrance into Jerusalem - Palms or Pussywillows

    • Typically palms or pussywillows (which one is provided after Divine Liturgy will largely depend on what’s regionally available for purchase)

  • (moveable) Pascha - Feast of the Resurrection of Christ (Easter Sunday) - Baskets

  • 20 July - Holy, Glorious Prophet Elijah - Cars

    • Usually done in the parking lot at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy

  • 6 August - Transfiguration of Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ - Fruit (some parishes also do honey)

    • You can bring fruit in a basket or however you’d like to be blessed

  • 15 August - The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary - Flowers (observed by some parishes in the USA)

    • You can bring flowers to be blessed

Note: There may be other local blessings practiced at certain parishes or monasteries throughout the liturgical year